WBB: UConn Rebounds As They Dominate Boards In Win Over UCLA
NEWARK- The Never Forget Tribute Classic pitted the University of Connecticut (UConn) against the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) for an unforgettable game. UConn outlasted UCLA 71-61.
This match-up slated two offensive powerhouses against each other, with UConn averaging 70 points per game and UCLA averaging 77 points per game entering this matchup. However, UConn was without star Paige Bueckers last game, as the Huskies scored a season-low 44 points against Georgia Tech.
The key to this contest would be whether or not they could get the offense going without Bueckers against UCLA, coming off a huge 112-33 win over San Jose State.
Still on the mend, UConn took a while to get reacquainted, as UCLA opened up the first quarter outrebounding and outshooting UConn. Charisma Osborne looked un-guardable for the Bruins, while senior guard Evina Westbrook was the only Husky who could get going early, scoring 10 points in the opening frame.
The second quarter started very similarly, as UCLA found themselves up 11 at one point. UConn seemed rejuvenated after that, as they went on an 11-2 run that left them behind by just two points entering the half. Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Caroline Ducharme started hitting shots for UConn, allowing them to make it a close game entering the half.
The third quarter was a continuation of the second, as UConn finished on a 14-2 run and outscored UCLA 22-14 overall. The Huskies took a 50-44 lead into the fourth quarter, thanks to senior forward Dorka Juhasz, who surpassed 1,000 career points in this contest. Christyn Williams also added a much-needed spark to the Huskies' offense.
The fourth quarter was all about the Huskies, who added to their lead early. Halfway through the final quarter, UCLA lost Osborne for what looked to be cramping. The real game-changer was a call that UConn did not get. Huskies Head Coach Geno Auriemma angrily sprinted onto the floor and argued for his team, earning him a technical foul. This seemed to motivate the squad to excel and close out this game.
This was a much-needed win for UConn, to prove that they can win without Bueckers. However, UCLA did make it close in the end, when Osborne came back in and scored eight straight points.
It was a true team effort for the women Huskies, as their entire starting five scored in double digits. The duo of Juhasz and Westbrook led the team with 16 and 17 points, respectively. Juhasz also added 16 rebounds in the game. Osborne was able to score 26 points for UCLA, leading all scorers. UConn dominated in the rebounds category (50-44) and shot way more efficiently after an abysmal start to the game.
Next up, UConn will get some much-needed rest, as they get set to take on No.7 ranked Louisville in The Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase, set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena on December 19th at 3:30 pm EST. This will be UConn’s final game before they go into their holiday break.
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